Roger Black, the Olympic 400m silver medalist and two-time 400m relay world champion, revealed he had undergone open heart surgery.
Black, 58, said he was first diagnosed as 11 and had an annual examination of his heart condition after undergoing surgery three weeks ago.
Despite his condition, Black enjoyed a stellar track and field career, winning Olympic silver in the 400m behind American great Michael Johnson at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
He also won the World Championships 4x400m Relay Gold in Tokyo in 1991, the World Championships 4x400m Relay Gold in Athens in 1997, and the Relay Silver four years ago at the 1996 Olympics and Barcelona Olympics. .
After retiring from track and field, Black became a television personality, appearing in Strictly Come Dancing and celebrity Master Chef.
“Three weeks ago I had an open heart surgery to replace the aortic valve and repair the aortic root,” Black told Instagram.external
“My ‘incompetent’ bipolar valve was discovered when I was 11 and has been caring for the heart team at Southampton General Hospital for the past 47 years.
“My annual examination last summer was clear that despite the lack of obvious symptoms, the situation got worse.
“It was a shock, but I knew this day was coming, despite my heart disease never allowing me to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”
Black thanked the hospital staff before paying tribute to his wife, Jules.
He added:
“Every day was about small steps. Yesterday I was walking to the top of the Hill at St. Martha, so it was a big milestone… a special place for us.”
